Ashley was 'just a bubbly soul'

Ashley's father Ken and stepmother Glynis Clements are grieving. Photo / George Novak

The life of young Tauranga woman Ashley Clements was cut short by a tragic crash just two days before she was to start her dream job.

Miss Clements, 22, and boyfriend Jade Wi, 20, died after a crash involving their car and a milk tanker on State Highway 26 between Tatuanui and Waitoa on Friday night on their way home to Miss Clements' flat in Te Aroha. Police said the pair died at the scene.

The former Bethlehem College student was to start work as a consultant for Ballance Agri-Nutrients in Morrinsville yesterday.

"That was her dream job," father Ken Clements told the Bay of Plenty Times. "When she got awarded the job she was so over the moon. Her aim in her studies was she wanted to be a consultant and advise the farming community and work outdoors. Her long-term goal was she wanted to own her own consulting business."

Miss Clements graduated from Massey University with a bachelor of science in agricultural science earlier this year and had been living in Te Aroha and working at Tatua Dairy since she finished her studies.

She was a talented athlete who excelled in running, volleyball and body sculpting but it was her positivity and drive she would be remembered for, stepmother Glynis Clements said.

"We called her Bubbles. She was just a bubbly soul," she said.

Miss Clements was not afraid to work hard to achieve her goals, Mrs Clements said.

"On top of extramural study and fulltime work she went to do two hours a day in the gym," she said. "We're so proud. I don't know how we're going to live without her."

Stepbrother Andy Munro agreed. "Even from a little wee child she was always happy, always smiling, always laughing and cheeky," he said. "I'm just proud of her and all her success. She was a hard worker. She set the goal and just went and cracked it."

Mr Clements talked to his daughter almost every day.

"She'd be sending me emails or a text or we'd be phoning each other at night. She was texting me on Friday afternoon. I got three texts from her. The last text I got was about 3.20pm Friday afternoon. I thought I'd give her a ring on Saturday morning but it wasn't to be," he said.

Mrs Clements said father and daughter were "joined at the hip".

Mr Wi had been dating Miss Clements on and off for about 18 months, Mr Clements said.

"He'd been out to stay. He was a quiet boy. We didn't really get to know him," Mr Clements said. "We just truly grieve for Jade's family also. We know that they are going through the same thing as we are."

Bethlehem College teacher Charlotte Bartrun coached Miss Clements, who was a talented runner and represented the school at a regional and national level. "She's a vibrant, intelligent girl who always strives for excellence. She has strong aspirations and zeal for life. She was particularly talented in athletics and cross country."

A Facebook tribute page, Ashley Clements Rest in Peace, has been set up for friends to pay their respects. Friends and family had also paid tribute to Mr Wi via Facebook during the weekend describing a "kind hearted" and "bubbly" young man who left a mark on many.

Farewelling Ashley and Jade

Ashley Clements' funeral
• 11am on Friday at St Thomas More Catholic Church in Mount Maunganui.

Jade Wi's funeral
• 11.30am tomorrow at Te Puke Cemetery.